Kosciusko REMC - June 2023 Indiana Connection

Your registration card and voting ballot are on the back cover!

Kosciusko REMC’s

JOIN US FOR THE KOSCIUSKO REMC

DRIVE-THRU ANNUAL MEETING THURSDAY, JUNE 8

Registration opens at 3 p.m. at KREMC! 370 S. 250 E. in Warsaw

JUNE 2023

2023 ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA NOON: KREMC office closes

In the evening, we’ll be announcing board

3-6 p.m.: Drive through our facility for a free meal,

through local radio stations as well as on

election winners and scholarship winners

gift and a chance to vote for our board of directors.

We love meeting our members and can’t wait to see you here in local Warsaw!

STATEMENTS OF OPERATION

June 8 for the results!

BALANCE SHEET

Years ended Dec. 31, 2022, and 2021

Operating revenues

social media. Stay tuned after 6 p.m. on

Years ended Dec. 31, 2022, and 2021

2022

2021

$51,437,480

$49,182,189

Operating expenses

2022

2021

Electric plant

$ 132,547,785

$105,857,728

Assets

Purchased power expense

37,265,357

35,750,410

Less accumulated depreciation

(28,246,056)

(27,139,937)

Operations & maintenance

2,410,246

2,062,544

Net plant

104,301,729

78,717,791

Collections, admin. & general

4,675,522

4,167,718

Depreciation

3,212,844

2,718,242

Total investments & other assets

26,898,168

24,489,767

Other operating expenses

2,178,369

1,759,944

Total assets

$131,199,897

$103,207,558

Total operating expense

49,742,338

46,458,858

459,404

456,726

Operating margins

1,695,142

2,723,331

Patronage capital

60,948,100

57,116,721

Margins & equities

9,173,074

11,253,883

Total margins & equities

Other income Interest income Income/(loss) from subsidiary

Membership

203,788

58,764

70,580,578

68,827,330

(1,111,672)

(592,924)

Long-term debt

43,066,278

25,143,920

Current liabilities & deferred credits

17,553,041

9,236,308

$131,199,897

$103,207,558

Misc. income

191,474

128,837

G&T capital credits

738,158

1,479,690

Total non-operating margins

21,748

1,074,367

$ 1,716,890

$ 3,797,698

Net margins

Equities & liabilities

Total equities & liabilities

Financials are unaudited for year ended Dec. 31, 2022.

MEET THE DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

I F E L E C T E D, W H AT VA L U E W O U L D Y O U BRING TO THE KREMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

PAM MESSMORE (i)

JILL SHOCK

“I add a unique perspective to the board. I didn’t know much about the electric industry before, but I’ve loved learning what the cooperative does for our members.

KREMC has an awesome staff. The team does amazing things and gets a lot of work done, so I’m proud to say that I’m on the board. KREMC really takes care of its members.

“I’m ready to give back to the community. My education experience gives me perspective into unique situations, and I’m willing to do whatever I can for KREMC. If I had to give advice to my younger self, I would say to be open-minded, listen more than you talk, and seek wisdom and counsel.”

“If I had to give advice to my younger self, I would say that time goes fast, so enjoy every day.”

continued on back inside cover

Join us at our drive-thru annual meeting June 8!

Kosciusko REMC’s

Rare PAGES 20-25

BIRDS

Photographers crisscross state after unique sightings

JUNE 2023

from the editor

Meet the team: Lauren Carman Lauren Carman, Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ communication manager, has been with IEC for over two years and is vital to the magazine; one reason is that she sets deadlines for the year to keep us on track. Here’s more about her: In my role, I get to do a little bit of everything, from content writing and planning to event coordination. Part of my role is supporting our member cooperatives.

This might look like producing a communication campaign, teaching a photography class or supporting a co-op’s annual meeting. I also help come up with content ideas for Indiana Connection and serve as a magazine photographer when needed. I love helping our member co-ops and being connected with co-op employees all around the state!

Three facts about Lauren: Lauren Carman • My husband, Ryan, and I are expecting our first child in July — a baby girl! We’re excited for the new addition to our family, which also includes our toy Australian Shepherd, Maddie.

• My hometown is Graysville, Indiana, a small town near Sullivan. In 2013, Ryan and I moved to Houston, Texas, the fourth most populated city in the U.S. — very different than Graysville! We eventually moved back to Indiana and settled in Indianapolis. I enjoyed living in Texas but have determined that the Midwest is the best. Indianapolis is the perfect-sized city for me!

• I worked as a photographer for a Houston wedding photography company and photographed more than 200 weddings in two years. Now I love to photograph my friends and their kiddos!

Not only is Lauren amazing at her job, but she is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Win an Indiana-themed

Stephanie Groves

prize pack to celebrate Lauren’s love of the state!

Editor sgroves@indianaec.org

On the menu: September: Crunchy recipes, deadline July 1.

October: Pork recipes, deadline August 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

VOLUME 72 • NUMBER 12 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 311,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. Member’s cost per issue is approximately 32 cents, plus postage.

CONTACT US: 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Randy Kleaving President Steve McMichael Vice President Dr. Richard Leeper Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Stephanie Groves Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Lauren Carman Communication Manager Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator Amber Knight Creative Manager Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

UNSOLICITED MATERIAL: Indiana Connection does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited material.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op.

Giveaway: Win an Indiana-themed prize pack (value $25) featuring a tea towel,

POSTAGE: Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and at additional mailing offices.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, event listings,

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

Include key number.

magnet and cookie cutter! Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is June 30.

letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.

JUNE 2023

3

contents

JUNE

10

18

energy

03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative 10 ENERGY Tax changes can make heat pump water heaters more affordable

20

food

pets

cover story

12 COUNTY White County

18 FOOD Hello, Jell-O

28 HOOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS

14 SAFETY Happy camping means keeping electrical safety in mind

20 COVER STORY Rare birds: Photographers crisscross state after unique sightings

29 PETS 5 tips for naming your pet (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

16 INDIANA EATS RiverWatch Floating Restaurant

26 PROFILE Erica Worland, DaviessMartin County REMC

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

30 DIY HOME Smart ways to “trim” DIY costs (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

On the cover Rare S

PAG ES 20-2 5

BIRD

rs crisscross Photographe ue sightings state after uniq

JUNE 2023

4 JUNE 2023

29

A male Anna’s hummingbird photographed in Lake County. This is only the second state record of this species.

PHOTO BY MARTY JONES

co-op news

www.kremc.com

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! KREMC’s annual meeting is quickly approaching.

CONTACT US Local: 574-267-6331 Toll-Free: 800-790-REMC EMAIL mail@kremc.com OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m., Monday– Friday ADDRESS 370 S. 250 E., Warsaw, IN 46582 SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS To report a service interruption after hours, please call 574-267-6331 or 800-790-REMC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tony Fleming, Chairman Dan Tucker, Vice Chairman John Hand, Secretary/Treasurer Terry Bouse Pam Messmore Steve Miner Rick Parker Loretta Schafer Todd Smith

LAUNDRY ROOM SAVINGS Wash clothes with cold water, which can cut one load’s energy use by more than half. Your washing machine will use the same amount of energy no matter the size of the clothes load, so fill it up when you can. When drying clothes, separate the heavier cottons. Loads will dry faster and more evenly if you separate heavier cottons like linens and towels from your lightweight clothing.

We are all so excited to see you again. This drive-thru meeting tradition has exceeded our expectations since we first implemented the format in 2021.

Last year we set a record for meeting attendance, with 1,342 members casting their votes in the board election. We think we can break that record again, but we need your help. Here are some important reminders for this year’s meeting: • Bring your ballot! It is located on the inside back cover of this magazine.

Fill it out and cast your vote for your next KREMC Board of Directors.

Every vote matters.

• Save money on your next electric bill! Members will receive a $10 bill credit just for attending the annual meeting.

• Leave with a delicious meal and a special gift from us. Members will receive a boxed dinner, a bottle of water and a Magnum COB Worklight as they drive through the annual meeting.

This annual meeting is so important for KREMC and our valued members. It is your opportunity to cast your vote for your board of directors and play a vital role in the cooperative’s future. We can’t wait to see you on June 8 at the 2023 KREMC Annual DriveThru Meeting!

KURT CARVER President and CEO

— ENERGY.GOV

Use your Co-op Connections Card to save at local businesses The Spectacle Shoppe Inc. 15% off materials.

Exclusions: Professional services.

FOLLOW KOSCIUSKO REMC ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER

KREMC rates and rebates RATES

REBATES

Residential and farm service Service charge ............................$24.50 per month Kilowatt-hour (kWh) charge ......@$.0922 per kWh Tracker charge ...................... @$.006544 per kWh

Electric water heaters 50 gallons or larger: • Gas to electric replacement — $125 • New construction water heater — $125 • Geothermal desuperheater — $50

Outdoor lights* 40w LED........................................$8.75 per month 70w LED......................................$12.25 per month

HVAC: • Geothermal system installation — $250 • Air-source heat pump system — $150 • Programmable thermostat — up to $25 Visit www.kremc.com for complete guidelines and restrictions. Additional rebates can be found at powermoves.com.

JUNE 2023

5

co-op news

KREMC welcomes 2 new employees to the team Kayley Gall, KREMC member service representative Kosciusko REMC welcomes Kayley Gall as a new member service representative.

After starting in her position at the beginning of April, Gall has enjoyed getting to know the member services team and learning about the role she can play in members’ experiences with the cooperative.

“Everyone has been so welcome and helpful. It’s been great!” Gall said.

She appreciates the member-first mindset KREMC is known for, and she’s looking forward to getting to know the members and becoming more familiar with the cooperative community. Since she began the position, Gall has recognized KREMC as a great place to launch a meaningful career.

“I enjoy helping people problemsolve,” she said. “I like to understand other people’s points of view as I help them with whatever they need.”

“Kayley has a wonderful personality and a varied background in customer service. Our members will be delighted to work with her when they come in to make a payment, have questions about their bill or inquire about our internet services,” said Scott.

Outside of work, Gall enjoys music, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Stephanie Scott, manager of member services at KREMC, is glad to welcome Gall to her department.

Corina Acosta, Kosciusko Connect dispatcher/customer service representative KREMC also welcomes Corina Acosta to her new role as a Kosciusko Connect dispatcher/ customer service representative. Acosta previously worked as a temporary customer service representative since June 2022 before transitioning to dispatch this March and has enjoyed being on the team in her various roles.

6 JUNE 2023

“Kosciusko REMC is everything I was looking for. It’s a nice place to come in every day and work with welcoming people,” Acosta said.

Becoming a dispatcher for Kosciusko Connect has further opened her eyes to the bigger picture of installing fiber in rural communities. She enjoys being a checkpoint for fiber orders and communicating between members and fiber crews. As she continues in her role, she’s looking forward to learning more and finding new opportunities for growth.

“Corina delivers excellent customer service to our community and is an asset to the Kosciusko Connect fiber team,” said Rich Cinninger, manager of broadband operations.

Acosta grew up in Austin, Texas, and has a background in healthcare.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.

co-op news

BEFORE AND AFTER THE POWER GOES OUT

P

ower outages are inevitable, but at KREMC, we strive to address those outages efficiently. There are simple steps members can take to help facilitate the quick resolution of outage issues.

First, make sure KREMC has your correct, current contact information. If our system recognizes your phone number when you call in, it helps us promptly receive your reported outage or any other type of issue you may report. There are a couple of ways you can report a change in phone number or other important contact information to us. Visit our website at kremc.com and click on

Don’t forget to register for your KREMC scholarship!

the “Service” tab, then on “My Account.” Or, give us a call at 574-267-6331 and choose option 3 to easily report your change.

If you applied for our John

Secondly, always report an unexplained outage. Sometimes a member might

H. Anglin higher education

assume we already know there is an issue, but that is not always the case. To report an outage, call 574-267-6331 and choose option 1. We do ask that you first check your home’s panel box in case of a blown fuse or tripped circuit.

However, if the outage is widespread or you cannot find the cause on your end,

scholarship or our 4-H scholarship, you need to register to qualify.

The applicant must be present at the annual meeting and let one of

please tell us ASAP.

our KREMC team members know

Finally, view current power outages and track our restoration process by visiting

unable to attend our 2023 annual

our helpful outage map on our website. Click on the “Service” tab and then on “Outage Center” to find the outage map.

At KREMC, we are proud to power lives in Kosciusko County.

VISIT US AT THE FAIR! KREMC and Kosciusko Connect are excited to return to the Kosciusko County 4-H Fair on July 11 this year.

We know you can’t wait for the Kosciusko Connect light

they need to register. If you’re meeting, preregister at our office between May 29 and June 7. If you’re a parent trying to register or preregister your student, the scholarship applicant must be present with you to qualify. We will announce scholarship winners through local radio on the evening of June 8, and on our social media: @KosciuskoREMC.

bulb cups! When you visit the fair that day, grab a light bulb cup, visit our water station, pick up a free gift and learn more about our lightning-fast fiber internet that is changing lives in Kosciusko County.

JUNE 2023

7

co-op news

KREMC ANNUAL DRIVE-THRU MEETING SET FOR JUNE 8.

The Kosciusko County REMC Annual Drive-Thru Meeting

be given a boxed meal and a bottle of water. To show

is just around the corner. This important event is when

appreciation for attending, every member will be given a

members of the cooperative cast their votes for the board

Magnum COB Worklight AND receive $10 off their next

of directors. If you’re a new member of the cooperative or

electric bill!

haven’t attended the meeting before, here's everything you need to know!

The KREMC employees and several amazing volunteers organize and staff the event, help direct traffic, hand

The meeting will take place on June 8 from 3-6 p.m. at the

out the food and gifts and ensure the success of the

KREMC facility at 370 South 250 East in Warsaw.

annual meeting. They have a wonderful time seeing the

It's a drive-thru meeting, which means that members can drive through the property in their vehicles and

cooperative’s valuable members and are looking forward to another memorable event.

conveniently cast their votes without getting out of their

Mark your calendar for June 8, and don't forget to attend

cars. The drive-thru format has enabled more members to

the Annual Drive-Thru Meeting! It's a fun and convenient

attend the annual meeting and cast their important votes

way to cast your vote and show your support for your

for the next board of directors.

electric cooperative

As members drive through the meeting, they'll submit a ballot to vote for the board of directors. They'll also

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energy

savings

AWASH IN

Tax changes can make the upgrade to a heat pump water heater more affordable

A

home upgrade that lowers the cost to heat your water may

also help you save on your taxes next year.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed

by Congress last year, includes incentives for homeowners to make qualifying energy efficiency upgrades. The act includes a tax credit to upgrade to a heat pump water heater (HPWH), and according to the ENERGY STAR® website (energystar.gov), the tax credit can be up to 30% of the project cost with a $2,000 maximum credit amount.

HEAT PUMPS CAN HELP COOL AND DEHUMIDIFY THE SURROUNDING SPACE IN THE SUMMER.

$400 annually in energy costs for

During the summer months, the heat

a family of four. Your local electric

pump will draw heat from nearby

cooperative may even offer rebates

air to help warm the water. This

for qualifying HPWHs. You may also

can help lower the temperature

be eligible for the federal tax credit,

in the surrounding area, making

though that may depend on your total

the space more comfortable. They

tax liability. Contact your tax advisor for

also dehumidify the air! If you are

details and to determine eligibility for

already running a dehumidifier in the

the full available tax credit.

basement, an HPWH can do that job while heating your water.

If your water heater is close to 10 years old (or older), you should start

Heat pump water heaters that have

LOCATION MATTERS. Where

considering a replacement. A variety

earned the ENERGY STAR are

an HPWH is installed can impact its

of options exist, including heat pump

eligible for the credit.

overall performance. ENERGY STAR

water heaters, to improve your home’s

recommends installing HPWHs in

energy use. Contact your local electric

unconditioned or semi-conditioned

cooperative’s energy advisor to discuss

interior spaces where temperatures

options.

Heat pump water heaters are two to three times as efficient as conventional electric resistance water heaters, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. HPWHs use refrigerant to move heat from the surrounding air to the water within the tank. This improves efficiency and costs you less to produce hot water. Using less energy also helps

remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year. ENERGY STAR also recommends avoiding placing the HPWH in garages or outdoors where it can be consistently subjected to freezing temperatures.

reduce carbon emissions, benefiting

DON’T FORGET POTENTIAL REBATES. An ENERGY STAR-

the environment.

certified HPWH can save more than

10 JUNE 2023

by Joe Spear Energy Advisor Carroll White REMC

Indiana eats

Vacation VIBES

Enjoy a taste of the Florida Keys at this charming floating restaurant.

Ready to go on a little getaway? You don’t need to travel far — just visit RiverWatch Floating Restaurant in Lawrenceburg. According to its website, the family-friendly, Key West-themed eatery aims to deliver “an island ambiance and a beautiful view of the Ohio River while you eat delicious food and sip on frosty drinks.”

Family-owned and operated, RiverWatch is helmed by “Captain Mike” Rauen and his “First Mate” Darcy. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes such as crab cakes, coconut shrimp and their ever-popular blackened mahi mahi. If seafood doesn’t float your boat, RiverWatch serves a custom-blended hamburger made from short rib and brisket, as well as a pork ribeye and a variety of sandwiches.

While you dine, you can relax and take in the surrounding views — the restaurant is indeed actually floating in the Ohio River, although securely docked — and soak in the island-inspired décor and music.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, First Mate Darcy’s signature libations include the “Sombrero Beach Shark Bite”

12 JUNE 2023

made with peach schnapps, Absolut Citron, blue curacao, Sprite and grenadine, and “Caribbean Rum Punch” spiked with Don Q rum.

Don’t set sail home without dessert! The “After Deck Delicacies” include a perfectly tart key lime pie (another nod to Florida) and chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick.

No matter what you choose to eat or drink, you will be treated to top-tier hospitality. As Captain Mike put it, “We welcome you to dine with us on Key West time and may the tide always pull you back!”

RiverWatch is open seasonally, typically from April to October, and you can visit the restaurant’s website at Riverwatchinc.com for updates and more information.

RIVERWATCH FLOATING RESTAURANT 1 Walnut Street Lawrenceburg 812-539-3625 Riverwatchinc.com

insights 2024 CALENDAR ART CONTEST WINNERS

WINNERS SELECTED FOR THE 2024 COOPERATIVE CALENDAR OF STUDENT ART Twenty-five student artists were selected as first-place and honorable mention winners in the annual art contest sponsored

by Indiana’s electric cooperatives. Their artworks will illustrate the cover and inside pages of the 2024 edition of the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art. The calendar will be printed this fall and will be distributed statewide by participating electric cooperatives and by Indiana Connection.

Justine Ocken, a junior at Whitko High School in South Whitley, not only won her grade division, but her drawing of a horse, its rider and a dog wading in an autumn stream won the Best of Show. Plus, for only the third time in the contest’s history, judges awarded the same student both first place and an honorable mention. Ocken’s second work featured a kitchen in the middle of a Thanksgiving meal preparation.

Students who enter the art contest are asked to create artwork that illustrates the month that corresponds numerically with their grade at the time they enter the contest — but kindergartners have carte blanche when creating artwork for the calendar’s cover.

The contest began in 1998 to recognize and encourage student artists, and in the 26 years since, almost 99,000 pieces of art have been created and entered.

To view the winning artworks, visit IndianaConnection.org and follow the links.

GRADE DIVISION WINNERS • Kindergarten — Serenity White, Medora • First Grade — Hadley Wagner, Jasper • Second Grade — Rayna Pryor, Flora • Third Grade — Trinity Messmer, Jasper • Fourth Grade — Flynn Cissell, Borden • Fifth Grade — Kaylin Fuller, Charlestown • Sixth Grade — Chloe Holtke, Seymour • Seventh Grade — Nandini Kondhare, Columbus • Eighth Grade — Jenna Merli, Union Mills • Ninth Grade — Cate Deckena, South Whitley • 10th Grade — Riley Aebersold, New Albany • 11th Grade — Justine Ocken, South Whitley • 12th Grade — Lindsey Todd, Craigville • Best of Show — Justine Ocken, South Whitley HONORABLE MENTION WINNERS • Kindergarten — Benton Welp, Jasper • First Grade — Kinze Campbell, Union Mills • Second Grade — Arabella White, Medora • Third Grade — Naiya Hood, Brazil

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• Ninth Grade — Makenna Krause, South Whitley • 10th Grade — Taylor Patton, Paoli • 11th Grade — Justine Ocken, South Whitley • 12th Grade — Elizabeth Mattos, Kendallville JUNE 2023

13

safety

Happy camping means keeping electrical safety in mind

C

amping gets us into the great outdoors and lets us leave civilization behind. Yet, for personal preferences or medical reasons, many of us still want or need the modern conveniences or necessities that electricity provides.

Fortunately, most popular campgrounds have electricity at individual sites. For “off-grid” camping, generators and solar panels are becoming more portable.

“Even when we’re trying to get away from it all,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives, “most of us want at least a small refrigerator or an air mattress inflator, or our CPAP so we’re not keeping the entire campground awake with our snoring. Those things need electricity, and using electricity anywhere requires the same mindfulness as when we’re at home.”

Here are some things campers should keep in mind:

Before you go Make sure a fire extinguisher is included with your gear. A general ABC fire extinguisher will cover ordinary combustibles, like wood and grass, and

14 JUNE 2023

fires involving electrical current. Make sure the extension cord you plan to run from the hookup to your tent is heavy enough to handle the load you intend to plug into it. It should have three prongs and a built-in ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) as an added safety measure.

Be aware and observant Once you arrive at your campsite, inspect the electrical hookup for any damage. For tent camping, a 30-amp hookup is probably the most you’ll need, and it should have a GFCI installed. Make sure the extension cord to your tent doesn’t create a trip hazard.

Also, keep it away from the campfire, the drive lane and water.

Recreational vehicle (RV) hookups may have a 50-amp outlet designed for larger RVs. If you need an extension cord, make sure it is rated the same or higher than the supply cord plugged into the hookup. Using an insufficient size can underpower devices or overheat wires. Always use a quality RV surge protector between the hookup and your RV.

Don’t be a statistic According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year around 400 to 500 people die in tents and campers from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Culprits are generally heaters that malfunction in RVs or fossil-fueled electrical generators. Make sure your RV is equipped with fire and carbon monoxide detectors.

Off-grid camping is becoming more popular, and portable generators make it easier. Be sure to choose portable generators with automatic carbon monoxide shutoff systems. Keep the generator outside and as far away from doors and openings as possible. Always position the generator so fumes are pointed away and downwind from your RV, tent and people. Be aware of any neighbors and keep fumes pointed away from them, too.

“Ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy and scratches might come with camping.

But so do fireflies and starry night skies,” Elkins said. “Having electricity when we camp has many benefits — we just have to keep in mind safety, too.”

DON’T BE TOO ‘SOCIAL’ ABOUT YOUR VACATION Whether you vacation at a national park or seaside resort, traveling can be very exciting. Most people love posting travel photos and selfies on social media, but letting the whole world know you’re on vacation can make your home a prime target for a break-in.

It’s a good idea to refrain from posting about your trip until after you return — those photos of you at the Grand Canyon can wait a few days before you show them to the world.

county feature

White County White County has arguably had its landscape and culture affected by renewable energy sources more than any other Indiana county.

Founded in 1834, the county was named for Isaac White, a colonel in the Illinois militia. White volunteered to serve as a private in the Indiana militia in Gov. William Henry Harrison’s march on Prophetstown. He was killed at the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 and was buried in a common grave at what is now Battle Ground.

COUNTY FACTS FOUNDED: 1834

HOME-BLOWN ENERGY Travelers driving on Interstate 65 between Indianapolis and Chicago can’t miss their arrival into White County. They’re greeted by 400-foot-tall wind turbines from the Meadow Lake Wind Farm which covers areas of White, Jasper and Benton counties. The farm was developed in multiple phases beginning in 2009.

In 2018, an addition to the farm began providing power to Indiana’s electric cooperatives through their two cooperative power suppliers, Wabash Valley Power Alliance and Hoosier Energy. It was the first mix of large-scale wind power generated in Indiana that was used by electric cooperative consumers.

NAMED FOR: Isaac White

POPULATION: 24,133

COUNTY SEAT: Monticello

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 91

TIPPECANOE AND HYDROPOWER, TOO Just north and south of Monticello, two early hydroelectric dams were built on the Tippecanoe River as it winds its way south to the Wabash River. Along with generating electricity, the dams, one of which celebrates its 100th birthday this month, created the “Twin Lakes.”

The northernmost, Norway Dam, completed in June 1923, created Lake Shafer. Oakdale Dam was built in 1925 to create Lake Freeman.

These two meandering lakes established White County as a major tourism destination. Owned and operated by NIPSCO, the dams still produce electricity for the grid.

16 JUNE 2023

Indiana Beach Monticello

Meadow Lake Wind Farm

FAMILY FUN Indiana Beach is an amusement park located on Lake Shafer. It offers over 50 rides and attractions including roller coasters and a water park.

Convenient cabins, a campground and hotel rooms are also available.

Originally named Ideal Beach, the amusement park first opened in 1927 on the shore of Lake Shafer, not long after the lake’s creation.

Hello, Jell-O food

FULL OF FLAVOR AND NOSTALGIC CHARM

EASY KEY LIME PIE Bethany Edwards, Berne, Indiana 1 (.6-ounce) box of Sugar-Free Lime Jell-O

In a large bowl, carefully stir the Jell-O powder

(Sugar-Free Jell-O is the key to having the

into the boiling water and stir to dissolve. Stir in

pie set up properly) ¼ cup boiling water 2 (6-ounce) containers of key lime-flavored yogurt

yogurts. Fold in thawed whipped topping. Pour mixture into pie crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

1 (8-ounce) container of whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed 1 premade graham cracker pie crust

TEP

BY S ARED PREP L IP P S Y FOOD E IL Y K OS B PHOT

18 JUNE 2023

HAN

OVE IE G R

S AN

D BA

RBAR

A BU

TZ

food

JELL-O POPSICLES

Marilles Mauer, Greensburg, Indiana

1 (3-ounce) box of Jell-O, in your preferred flavor 4 cups water ⅓ cup sugar (optional) Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. In a medium bowl, mix sugar and Jell-O powder and then carefully stir the boiling water into the mixture, stirring constantly until dissolved (about 2 minutes). Stir in 2 cups of cold water and then pour the mixture into popsicle molds.

Freeze until completely frozen.

JELL-O POKE CAKE Lou Anna Hufford, Flora, Indiana For cake: 1 box white or yellow cake mix 4 eggs 1 cup water ¼ cup vegetable oil For topping: 1 (3-ounce) box of Jell-O, in your preferred flavor 1 cup hot water ½ cup cold water

Preheat oven to 350° F. Combine cake mix, eggs, 1 cup of water and vegetable oil in a mixing bowl. Stir to blend, then beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.

Pour mixture into a greased, 9-by-13inch pan. Bake for approximately 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Cool in pan for 15 minutes. In a medium bowl, dissolve Jell-O in the hot water and then add in the cold water. Poke large holes all over the top of the cake with the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork. Slowly pour the Jell-O mixture over the cake.

1 (8-ounce) container of

Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours, then

whipped topping (such

spread the whipped topping over the

as Cool Whip), thawed

cake and serve.

JUNE 2023

19

Photographed at Monroe Lake, this limpkin was the first ever seen in Indiana.

Photo by Marty Jones

Rare

BIRDS

Photographers crisscross state after unique sightings

BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

20 JUNE 2023

The black-headed grosbeak Photo by Ryan Sanderson

Birders gather to catch a glimpse of a black-headed grosbeak in the Crosses' yard.

Photo by Marty Jones

J

anet Cross said she’d never seen anything quite like it.

my backyard?’ It was a little nervewracking to begin with.”

She may have been talking about the little black and orange bird that showed up at her backyard feeders for a few days in April. She used the bird-identification app Merlin to learn it was a black-headed grosbeak.

A flutter of photographers arrived that Saturday afternoon. The couple let it be known that for a few hours the next day, too, their spacious backyard, with its budding and blooming trees backed by a creek, would also be open for those wanting to come and see the vagrant bird. Some 50 avid “birders” — photographers and watchers — came with their binoculars, spotting scopes and yard-long giant camera lenses, on the blustery and wet Sunday afternoon. Some came from the farthest corners of the state, Evansville and Valparaiso, to check out the bird the Crosses had dubbed “Rocky.”

But the spectacle for her really was the anxious brood of birders who quickly flocked to her suburban Greenfield neighborhood to catch a glimpse and record images of the strange bird.

“I had no clue it was a rare bird until I posted it out on Facebook, and people started contacting me to come over to see it,” she said. “They sent me a screenshot of a map showing the normal range of the bird, and I’m like, ‘Oooh-oo-kay, come on over.’”

The normal range of the blackheaded grosbeak is from the central Plains and Rocky Mountains west to the Pacific Ocean. This was only the second recorded sighting ever of one in Indiana.

“A couple of guys reached out to me almost immediately,” Janet, 60, continued, joined by her husband, Doug, 65. “It just took us a little while to understand the magnitude because it was so unique and so new to us. I was like, ‘What do you mean people are going to come stand in

“Everybody we encountered was going out of their way to be polite.

I was very impressed,” added Doug.

“They are very passionate about what they do. There’s no question about that.”

A day later, the grosbeak was gone … perhaps heading back to the West.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER One of the photographers who arrived that Sunday and stayed late, talking birds with the Crosses, was Ryan Sanderson. For Sanderson, the sudden weekend gathering of birders

wasn’t out of the ordinary. Capturing photos of rare birds has been an obsession of his for almost 20 years.

Sanderson, 37, is currently chair of the Indiana Bird Records Committee, a committee within the Indiana Audubon Society. Its main goal is to maintain a list of all the bird species seen within the state.

The Indiana Audubon celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023. It is the oldest conservation organization continuously operating in Indiana and the fourth oldest “Audubon” in the country. Founded in 1898, the organization continues its goals of research, conservation and education of the natural resources and the birds Hoosiers love. Keeping track of bird sightings is part of the research and conservation. Plus, it builds camaraderie and competition among birders to see who can spot the most.

Sanderson said a goal within the birding community is to spur interest in nature by exposing others to the diverse beauty of birds. Marty Jones, 58, concurs. “That’s one reason I take photos,” Jones said. “I want other people to see what I’ve seen and hopefully appreciate birds more and help protect them and their habitats.”

Jones came over from Terre Haute that Sunday afternoon to join Sanderson and the bevy of other

JUNE 2023

21

Ryan Sanderson focuses his camera lens on American White Pelicans at Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis a couple of years ago. The birds pass through Indiana every spring and fall.

Photo by John Baughman

birders. He’s active in his local Audubon and land conservancy group.

Bird watching is among the most popular hobbies in the United States, Sanderson noted. But, when it comes to bird lovers, bird photographers like Sanderson and Jones take it to another level. Sanderson said he probably has a million bird photos on his computer hard drives at home.

Jones has 5,000 bird photos posted just on SmugMug, an online image hosting and sharing platform.

There are photographers who just want to get a documentation photo of every bird they see and aren’t concerned as much about aesthetics. “Then, there are those,” said Sanderson, “and I’d probably put myself in the realm, who want to get the best picture of every bird species they see. I want to get artistic photos.”

Jones and Sanderson are much the same. When they find the rare bird they are after, they’ll both shoot initial photos just to document that they have it in case it flies away. Then, they’ll keep working for better lighting, a better background or some action the bird will do.

Among birders, there are varying degrees of mania. Some are “listers”

22 JUNE 2023

whose main goal is to list as many species as they can say they’ve seen in a defined area, whether it’s their yard, county or state. But then, Sanderson pointed out, people can get really into lists — like a “carbon neutral” list of how many birds they see by just walking or cycling. “It can get really intense, but most people that are into it have a life list of everything they’ve ever seen, and then often a state list.”

BIRDING TAKES WING Sanderson, a physician practicing family medicine in northern Johnson County, became interested in birds in the mid-2000s as a college student.

He had gotten into art photography in high school and already had a love of nature. But birds didn’t begin entering his picture frames until he took a course on Indiana natural history the spring of his freshman year in 2005.

“We went around the state looking at various rock formations and forests,” he noted. “The professor was really into birding. So, we ended up looking at birds through most of the course.”

The next fall, he took a course in ornithology. And then his interest took wing.

At about this time, digital cameras

began making a splash on the market. Sanderson sold a saxophone he bought in high school on eBay to help finance his first digital camera — a Canon Rebel. Digital cameras made all the difference since he was no longer confined to 36 images per roll of film and the cost of purchasing and developing film. As digital technology advanced, so did his interest and the number of photos he shot.

Sanderson admits he’s always had kind of an obsessive-compulsive personality, even as a tot. “When I was 4 or 5 years old, I was really into tractors. And then it was frogs for a couple of years. Then I got into snakes.” But birds captivated him. He said he’s asked himself many times, “Why am I so into this? These are just birds. Why is it interesting to me?”

The answer partly seems to be his nature; they appeal to his intellect and analytical mind — which is what also led him to medicine. “Medicine and birding are somewhat similar,” he explained. If a patient comes in with an illness, he pores over their symptoms and complaints to make a diagnosis. If there’s a bird he doesn’t recognize, he can go down a list of physical features, size, colors, patterns and sounds to come up with an identification.

But both his artistic and perfectionist sides have kept him coming back. “I think I can always get a better photo of something. So, it’s always, ‘How can I improve that? How can I do better with this?’”

Plus, advancing digital technology creates a never-ending spiral of improvement. “Maybe I took a fantastic photo eight years ago, but I was using an eight-megapixel camera. So, I really can’t enlarge it.

But now I can do cooler stuff. I can blow up the pictures of the head and get some really cool feather details, where before there wasn’t the resolution for that.

“And you just never know what you’re going see,” he continued. “It’s kind of like a new discovery every day when you go out and see warblers. In Indiana, you can see 36-37 warbler species in May. You never know what’s going to show up.”

stuff. I’ve rearranged stuff before, but never have I canceled somebody because I needed to see something.

My professional duties to my patients outweigh that.”

Being a tad obsessive, Sanderson is also a bit of a perfectionist — always working hard to be the best at what he does. That includes his bird photography. And while we all carry a little camera with us in our phone these days, Sanderson’s amazing photos don’t simply drop onto his memory card because of the long lenses, kayak and other equipment he has at his command. “I might have been in the field for 12 to 20 hours trying to get that particular picture, so it’s not quite ‘He had a good camera.’

There’s a lot of time and knowledge that’s coming into play to get the consistently good photos of those things. And for the majority of these birds, you can’t just walk up on them because they fly away.”

To make sure he doesn’t miss any rare bird sightings, Sanderson is plugged into a variety of social media and notification methods — Facebook, rare-bird alerts, text messages and the like. These instant notifications of sightings birders share with each other have made it easier to go after the rare birds, but also can create a dilemma for Sanderson that pits his passion against his profession. “I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gotten an alert, a text message or a Facebook notice that says any number of rare birds have showed up. And so, you’re sitting at work, and it’s like ‘Holy crap, I gotta go see this!’ It’s crazy.”

But that’s when the professional side intervenes. “I’ve made a rule for myself that I will not cancel patients or days at work to go see

Ryan Sanderson Photo by Richard Biever

as 30,000 or more, sandhill cranes congregate in this little area in front of a specially constructed observation deck. They’re heading south from Canada, upper Wisconsin, and Minnesota. That was just what I call a ‘God moment,’” he recalled.

“There were probably 100, maybe up to 300, people there, and I was the last to leave,” he added, noting he was shooting photos the whole time.

A snowy egret photographed at Eagle Creek.

Photo by Ryan Sanderson

‘GOD MOMENTS’ WITH THE BIRDS Marty Jones knows all about the long hours. With the black-headed grosbeak, Jones recorded his 348th species of bird in Indiana.

While the last one came during the open house in the Crosses’ backyard, you don’t get that many without putting in work. His images are on his appropriately named page: IndianaJones.smugmug.com.

Instead of rare treasures of antiquity, this “Indiana Jones” searches for the rare birds of Indiana still around us.

But just like the Jones of the movie series, his adventures can be long, treacherous and hard.

One of his favorite excursions included Sanderson and a few other birders. A ruffed grouse, once common to Indiana but now almost extirpated, was spotted in the Hoosier National Forest. “We took a long hike into the forest,” Jones recalled. “With the camera gear that’s pretty heavy and the rough terrain, it wasn’t easy.”

first see a rare bird,” Jones said. “I get what I can and hope to get a better picture later. And I’m not kidding, that bird was like a chicken. It walked up to us and posed, jumping up on a log.”

The bird got so close, the photographers with their long, fixed lenses attached to their cameras actually had to back up to focus. “We all got awesome photos,” Jones said.

Like Sanderson, Jones, a senior regulatory consultant with Indiana Electric Cooperatives, always had an interest in the outdoors and photography and got into birding in the mid-2000s. And like Sanderson, Jones sold a first love — in his case, a hot rod — to purchase his first long birding lens.

Jones said in the early 2000s, he was spending a lot more time on the road with his job at IEC. “Back then, our department was much smaller. We traveled a lot more all over the state.

And so, I would take my camera out on the evenings before going back to the hotel,” he said.

When they’d gone well over a mile into the middle of the woods, Jones said they started wondering how they would ever find it. Suddenly, one of the others said, “There it is!”

One evening toward dusk in late November or early December, he ended up at the Jasper-Pulaski Wildlife Refuge after spending the day at a nearby REMC.

“I’m just trying to get a documentation photo, that’s what I always do when I

“That’s when thousands upon thousands, sometimes as many

24 JUNE 2023

Not long after, digital cameras came along. And like Sanderson, Jones found them to be a salvation for bird photography. “Digital was just awesome. When you do bird photography, it’s not uncommon to take 1,000 images pretty quickly.”

Through his previous travels with IEC, Jones became a collector of photos.

He’d photographed all of Indiana’s courthouses. He’d photographed all the state’s covered bridges. Now, he set his goal to photograph every bird species in the state. “I was thinking this would just be a few months, maybe a year, and I’d move on to something else. Well, here I am … almost 20 years later.”

Unlike Indiana’s courthouses and covered bridges that have a finite number with easy-to-locate coordinates, photographing every bird species was a moving target — in more ways than one. There’s no definite number of species of birds — it can range from 380 or more depending on the season and migrations. Plus, occasionally wildcard vagrants fly in, like the blackheaded grosbeak or a limpkin, to upset the aviary cart. And, of course, birds are much harder to photograph than stationary objects.

A limpkin, a tall long-legged marsh bird, was spotted along Monroe Lake in Monroe and Brown counties last June. It created quite a stir — being the first one ever spotted in Indiana.

The bird’s normal northernmost territory is the Florida-Georgia line.

Jones and Sanderson both were able

to get photos of it as photographers descended on the lake.

For Jones, that was a kayak adventure that went from a hot humid mid-afternoon to almost sundown.

Just as he was about to call it quits so he could get back to his car before dark, he decided to turn down one more marshy byway. “And I’m glad I did because there it was in perfect light. It’s one of those birds that are spooked easily, but this one, I practically paddled right up to it.”

He said he follows his customary “shoot, shoot, shoot” to get what he can in case it flies off. “Then, after I get my shot, I just try to enjoy the view and appreciate what I’m seeing.”

‘WRONG TURN AT ALBUQUERQUE’ Though the black-headed grosbeak departed without even a fare-theewell to Doug and Janet Cross, the Greenfield couple wasn’t left emptyhanded from their brief encounter with Indiana birding history.

Birders brought bottles of wine, bags of birdseed and a bag of corn and a mineral block for the deer that pass through the yard. Jones provided Janet and Doug a close-up print of their famed visitor. “I’m looking forward to putting it up and having conversations about it when we have guests over,” Janet said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime memory we’ll have forever.”

of the grosbeak. “Everybody’s always posting pictures,” Janet said. “When the first hummingbird of the season shows up, we’ll take a picture and post it there, so everybody knows that the hummingbirds are here.”

When bluebirds are around, photos get posted so followers know to put out the feed they prefer. “It just keeps everybody aware of what’s going on in the community.”

She and Doug doubt Rocky will be back.

And the next time a strange bird appears, she said she’ll photograph it and post it, and say, “OK, here’s a new bird for me!” She said the response from fellow birders like Sanderson and Jones might be a hohum, “OK, … that’s this type of bird.

It’s a common bird.” Or, their reaction just might be, as she paused for a moment and then mused excitedly, “We’ll be back!’”

“We got our 15 minutes,” Doug said, waxing on the vagaries of the bird’s short sojourn in their backyard. “As he made his way north from Mexico, he took a wrong turn at Albuquerque and got lost. It happens in nature.”

Janet said the experience won’t be turning her and Doug into the birders that go in search of rare birds. “We just enjoy listening to them and watching them out our back door.”

Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.

But, they will stay active with the Greenfield birders Facebook group where she first posted her discovery

JUNE 2023

25

profile Professional progression:

A FAMILY OF COOPERATION Erica Worland acknowledges the role of family in achieving the career success she’s had working for electric cooperatives. But that family is not just blood, it’s extended through her community and among the cooperatives themselves.

Worland just completed her first year as the director of finance and accounting for Daviess-Martin County REMC in Loogootee. There, she sits beside the CEO, presents to the board of directors each month and oversees a staff of six individuals. She’s come a long way in a relatively short time.

Behind her was her mom — who taught her not to give up in pursuing her dreams; her first boss, who was both a mentor and a modeler of hard work; a close family friend who worked for a neighboring REMC who encouraged her to join the electric cooperative world and in whose footsteps she followed; and her late supervisor at WIN Energy REMC who hired her out of college and strongly encouraged her to continue her education and take every opportunity the cooperative offered.

“These amazing role models in my life have shaped me into the person I am today,” said Worland.

Worland came out of Indiana State University with a business administration degree in 2008. Encouraged by that long-time family friend from Parke County REMC, she applied for a

2010 Hired Member Service Representative WIN Energy REMC

26 JUNE 2023

member service representative position at WIN Energy REMC. She admitted it was to get her foot in the door because she had heard such good things about working there.

Though she wasn’t well versed in the workings of a consumer-owned, notfor-profit electric utility, she was quickly exposed to the diverse roles at every co-op — including the linework. “We got to go out in the field to a substation and see what it takes to set and work on a pole. We got to experience what it’s like for the linemen, and so it put it all into perspective.”

Within just a couple of years, she moved into accounting at WIN Energy and was encouraged to pursue professional leadership courses and additional accounting certifications. Through the employee development opportunities WIN Energy offered, Worland honed her skills in public speaking and gained confidence to tackle new challenges.

After WIN Energy promoted her to accountant in 2019, she pursued and earned a Master of Business Administration in 2020.

While she said she loved working at WIN Energy and the friendships she had developed, a new opportunity soon opened at a neighboring cooperative.

2012 PROMOTED

2019 Promoted

Accounting Coordinator WIN Energy REMC

Accountant WIN Energy REMC

Erica Worland Director of Finance and Accounting

Daviess-Martin County REMC

Daviess-Martin County REMC was seeking a new director of finance and accounting, a position that reported directly to the CEO. It was quite a step up. “There was a lot more responsibility,” Worland said. “It’s always kind of scary — and exciting — when you start something new. Stepping out, there are challenges. Then, being able to overcome those has really been exciting and builds confidence.”

Her past electric cooperative experiences in member service and leadership are all coming into play in her new position. She has to be able to speak to the lineworkers, the inside office staff, the directors and the public.

“I am very appreciative to WIN Energy REMC for the experience I gained there, and grateful to Daviess-Martin County REMC for the amazing opportunity to advance in my career.”

INTERESTED IN AN ELECTRIC CO-OP CAREER? Visit WePowerIndiana.org to learn about available careers or tell us about yourself.

2022 Hired Director of Finance and Accounting Daviess-Martin County REMC

Wabash Valley Power news Power news

AVOID HEADACHES THIS SUMMER

Prepare your A/C so you can play it cool

J

une is National Migraine and Headache Awareness

Month. It's also the time of year when many people endure the headache of a broken air conditioner — and having to go to extreme measures to keep cool.

GET A SYSTEM INSPECTION. It’s a good idea to schedule a tune-up to ensure that your cooling system is optimized to perform its best when called on during those long, hot days. Regular preventative

Fortunately, it's not too late to

maintenance can be more

prepare. There are steps you

affordable than having to pay for

can take to ensure your cooling

an emergency house call when

system can handle the sweltering

your system goes out! During a

summer days.

“clean and tune,” a technician will pull the blower from your system and use water or a

REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTER REGULARLY.

cleaner to remove the dirt that made it past the furnace filter.

The changes in season are a good reminder that it’s time to

may ultimately be a better option than having to keep making repairs on an inefficient system.

Your local electric cooperative offers Power Moves® rebates for qualifying efficiency upgrades that will help you save more on energy costs. Contact your local electric cooperative for details.

Preparing in advance can help your HVAC system run more efficiently and last longer — and avoid unnecessary headaches. You can contact your local electric cooperative to inquire about a home energy assessment, which will provide details on your whole home’s

can plug up the airflow of your air

CONSIDER A REPLACEMENT IF ONE IS NEEDED.

conditioning system, which can

If you have an older or

make it work less effectively and

underperforming cooling system,

shorten its lifespan.

you may want to think about a

For other energy-saving tips and

replacement. While not cheap, it

advice, visit PowerMoves.com.

replace your air filter. This is a fairly easy step, and a dirty filter

28 JUNE 2023

energy use and give suggestions on steps you can take to improve energy use and efficiency.

pets

What’s in a name?

5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE PERFECT MONIKER FOR YOUR PET When it comes to cats and dogs, pet lovers find all kinds of significance and meaning in dubbing our furry friends. But how do you choose the perfect one? Here are some tips that might help:

Get to know your pet first Some people have a name picked out before even picking up their new pet from the shelter or breeder. This can backfire if your pet ends up being a little different than expected. Dog and cat personalities can vary greatly even within their breeds, and you could quickly find that “Sugar” is more of a “Cinnamon.”

Make a list of your favorite movies or books Pop culture and literature always turn up an abundance of fun pet

Here are the TOP 10 most recent popular names for pets PUPPIES

names, so to help you come up

1. Luna

with some ideas, make a list of

2. Charlie

your go-to movies, TV shows,

3. Bella

books, musicals, etc., and your

4. Daisy

favorite characters in each.

5. Lucy

Avoid controversy

6. Milo

Listen to the science

If there’s anything controversial

7. Cooper

Both dogs and cats respond

about a pet name you’re considering, it may not be worth

8. Bailey

differently to certain sounds, including syllable length. Longer, drawn-out names can take more time for pets to learn, whereas shorter ones may be picked up more quickly.

If renaming an adult pet, choose comparable sounds If you’re adopting a shelter animal and aren’t keen on its given name, help smooth the transition by choosing a new name that starts with the same sound and has the same amount

9. Teddy

it. For example, naming your

10. Coco

grumpy cat a swear word may seem funny at the time — but will you feel the same about the name during an emergency visit to the veterinary hospital, or if it gets lost and you must roam the neighborhood shouting its name?

Whatever you choose, don’t feel pressured to decide your new pet’s name right away. It’s OK to take a few days to get to know

KITTENS 1. Luna 2. Oliver 3. Loki 4. Milo 5. Leo 6. Bella 7. Charlie 8. Mochi

your pet, then pick the name that

9. Lily

fits his or her personality best.

10. Willow

of syllables. For example, “Rosie” will have a far easier time becoming “Roxy” than “Petunia.”

Source: Trupanion, a comprehensive pet insurance provider.

JUNE 2023

29

do-it-yourself

SMART WAYS TO ‘TRIM’ DIY COSTS AND ADD STYLE You don’t have to settle for builders’ grade basics in your home, even on a tight budget. Whether you’re selling or just want some extra personal flair, these simple DIY projects can make a big impact on your kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

ALL THE TRIMMINGS Believe it or not, simple trim can really enhance the style of a room or fixture. Trim is inexpensive, widely available and can easily be cut to the lengths you need. Molding comes in lots of interesting styles and patterns, too. Paint small pieces of trim and adhere them as a frame around the sides of your switch plate covers to add interest. An even easier hack:

panels for a shaker-style look or trim

and texture — so that’s where that

pieces to create a classic, 6-panel

nailer will be helpful! Try adding

look. It’s a good idea to get your

panels or a wainscot to the walls

panels or trim cut by a pro — and

of a kitchen island or a sunken

pick up some matching paint and

bathtub. Just be sure to finish

finishing nails while you’re at it.

with a waterproof sealant in high-

Investing in a pneumatic finish nailer

moisture areas.

will come in handy for this job and

LET’S ACCESSORIZE

others once you get the hang of it, or you can often rent one for a day or two.

Swapping out hardware is an easy and economical way to make an immediate impact. Update

Buy a small picture frame in the

DRESS UP YOUR WALLS

same size and color as the cover,

Create a feature wall (or a half wall)

pulls or door hinges in a new finish

then attach it to the wall with an

with textured wall panels. Modern

or style. Carry the finish and style of

all-purpose adhesive.

beaded paneling, wainscot and

your new hardware throughout the

shiplap are quite versatile. Installing

house — multiple items in the same

pre-cut and painted decorative

style are often packaged together at

paneling or beadboard as a kitchen

significant savings.

If replacing a plain, straight-edged bathroom mirror (especially one adhered to the drywall) is too much to tackle, apply painted or stained accent molding around its perimeter for a more custom look. Take this idea up to the ceiling by creating a square frame around the base of a

doorknobs, drawer handles, cabinet

backsplash may be more manageable than tiling since you won’t need grout. Just like individual or sheeted

Visit your local Do it Best store or

tiles, these boards will require precise

doitbest.com for thousands of the

measuring and add visual interest

best home improvement products.

ceiling fan. Amp it up by painting the area inside the frame a color that contrasts against the ceiling fan.

While you’re at it, you can also apply a fresh coat of paint to the fan blades if necessary.

THERE’S THE DOOR Give flat, one-dimensional doors an overhaul by adding painted plywood

30 JUNE 2023

by

Joe Halcomb

Joe Halcomb is co-owner of Halcomb Home Center in Versailles. He’s a member-owner of Do it Best, a Fort Wayne-based cooperative of thousands of hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards throughout the US and around the world.

This article is for informational purposes only. Indiana Connection and Do it Best assume no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, or for injuries, property damage or the outcome of any project.

DO YOUR PART. SHOW US THE MARKS.

White Line for 811.

• When preparing to dig, both homeowners and professionals should mark the intended dig site with white paint or flags prior to contacting 811.

• When submitting a locate request online, be sure to answer “Yes” on the White Lining question, or tell the 811 operator “Yes” when asked if you are going to White Line when calling 811 to submit a locate request.

Learn about the importance of White Lining, how you can White Line and the role it plays in streamlining the 811 process for all parties involved at Indiana811.org/whitelining.

Follow us for damage prevention news and tips. @IN811

Indiana 811

Board of directors election John Hand (i)

vs.

Tony Siebeneck

Pam Messmore (i)

vs.

Jill Shock

vs.

Joel Shepherd

Loretta Schafer (i)

Please vote for ONE candidate from each row.

THIS IS YOUR VOTING BALLOT.

MEET THE DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

continued from front inside cover

JOHN HAND (i)

TONY SIEBENECK

“I value getting to know KREMC members and learning the knowledge needed to be an effective board member. We take classes to learn more about power systems and electric cooperatives. In evaluating Kosciusko Connect, we found there was a need in the rural community for high-speed internet. That signifies how talking to the community is a vital part of being on the board.”

“I’m an engineer by profession, and I like to tackle tasks with all the available facts, as well as members’ opinions. We need to have great communication.

Being a leader is about communicating with everyone involved in decisions and actions. I like that KREMC is a member-driven co-op. The rates are great, and it’s always there for the community. If the power goes out very suddenly, KREMC is reliable.

“If I could go back, I’d tell myself to slow down and enjoy life and time with friends and family. My family is my priority, and I believe that everything will fall into place if my family is happy and healthy.”

LORETTA SCHAFER (i)

JOEL SHEPHERD

“I’ve been on the board for a year, so my job has been to learn and understand, drawing as much knowledge from other board members as I can. I want to continue to grow so that I can serve, learn and make more suggestions. As leaders, it’s important for us to step out, ask questions and learn from all the other cooperatives throughout the nation. We benefit from sharing knowledge and working with them. KREMC works very hard to serve their members and keep service low-cost, and it makes a difference.”

“From my sales experience, I learned to listen and find the need, then come up with a solution. Everybody wants to talk and share ideas, but I value taking the time to understand where someone is coming from. When you’re on a board like this one, you work together to represent the cooperative to the community. We can each lead, but if we don’t have followers helping us, we won’t be as effective. On the KREMC board, I would focus on what’s best for KREMC and its customers. I would bring honesty and transparency to this role to help facilitate productive discussions and decisions.”

To view each candidate’s full profile, visit kremc.com/candidate-profiles.

See your election ballot above. Fill it out and bring it with you to the drive-thru annual meeting!

OFFICIAL NOTICE TO MEMBERS Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the members of Kosciusko REMC will be held at Kosciusko REMC, 370 S. 250 E., Warsaw, Indiana. The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 8, from 3-6 p.m. Members are asked to bring this card to the annual meeting.

This registration card must be presented in order to receive the $10 bill credit and to be eligible for the gift. YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO VOTE.

370 South 250 East Warsaw, Indiana 46582 574-267-6331 800-790-7362 www.kremc.com